12-31-1990 – Percussion and Fire Dancers

Grateful Dead – Percussion and Fire Dancers / Midnight Countdown
Recorded Live: 12/31/1990 – Oakland Coliseum Arena – Oakland, CA

Personnel:
Jerry Garcia – lead guitar, vocals
Bob Wier – rhythm guitar, vocals
Phil Lesh – bass, vocals
Vince Welnick – keyboards
Bill Kruetzman – drums
Mickey Hart – drums
Guests:
Bruce Hornsby – piano
Branford Marsalis – saxophone

Summary:
The Grateful Dead ring in 1991 at The Oakland Coliseum before a typically enthusiastic home turf audience. This night’s configuration featured two keyboard players, with ex-Tubes member Vince Welnick now on electric keyboards and Bruce Hornsby joining in on concert grand piano. This sequence begins five minutes prior to midnight as fire dancers and drummers are stirring up a tribal vibe during the set break. This leads right up to the midnight countdown and The Dead’s second set that evening. They rock into the new year with the Buddy Holly classic, “Not Fade Away,” which then segues into a bouyant “Eyes Of The World.” On both of these numbers, New Orleans saxophone great, Branford Marsalis, is a featured guest. With both Hornsby and Marsalis on board, these numbers take on new life and a strong celebratory feel fitting of the occasion.

YouTube Channel: Wolfgang’s Grateful Dead